The  61st Africa Day Celebration in the Netherlands

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The  61st Africa Day Celebration in the Netherlands

Theme Africa Day 2024: “Education Fit for The 21st Century”

By Roy Lie  Atjam

Africa Day. On May 25, 1963, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, the 32 African states that had achieved independence at the time agreed to establish the Organization of African Unity (OAU). This organization is now named the African Union and consists of 55 member states. They all joyfully celebrate Africa Day, which represents the continent’s liberation, independence, and promising future.

H.E. Mrs. Maria Isabel Encoge, Ambassador of Angola, Dean of the African Diplomatic Corps.

On June 4, 2024, in Wassenaar, H.E. Mrs. Maria Isabel Godinho de Resende Encoge, Ambassador of Angola and Dean of the African Diplomatic Corps, addressed the numerous guests at the celebration of the 61st anniversary of the African Union in the Netherlands. “I am pleased to welcome all the guests joining us today to celebrate Africa Day, marking 61 years since the establishment of May 25th as Africa Day. This day is a tribute to the rich tapestry of African culture, history, and contributions to the global community.” She expressed.

“As Dean of the African Group in The Hague, I wish to highlight the importance of Africa Day and the ongoing dialogue between Europe and Africa. We must work together to address challenges and achieve our shared goals, including the Sustainable Development Goals and the African Union’s Agenda 2063.

Africa is a continent of resilience, diversity, and immense beauty, and we honour its visionaries who paved the way for independence and unity.

Let us celebrate Africa’s achievements and contributions to the world and work together to build a brighter future. Happy Africa Day to all!”

H.E. Mr. Mohamed Mahmoud Ould Brahim Khlil Zemm, Ambassador of Mauritania.

Another speaker at Africa Day 2024 was the Ambassador of Mauritania in Brussel, H.E. Mr. Mohamed Mahmoud Ould Brahim Khlil Zemm, who conveyed congratulations on behalf of the President of Mauritania currently serving as the Chairman of the African Union.

The Africa Day 2024 reception was attended by Mr. Jan van Zanen, Mayor of The Hague, along with numerous Ambassadors accredited in the Netherlands, including representatives from El Salvador, South Africa, Kosovo, Belarus, and Costa Rica. Also in attendance were Heads of International Organizations in The Hague, government representatives, and members of the diaspora.

Africa Day 2024

The African Union HQ. received congratulations from world leaders, among them the Secretary-General of the United Nations Mr AntĂłnio M de Oliveira Guterres. This is what he stated in part.

“On Africa Day, we celebrate this dynamic and diverse continent and the contributions of Africans to our world. The continent’s young and growing population, its rich natural resources, breathtaking beauty and cultural diversity give it outsize potential.

Initiatives like the African Continental Free Trade Area and the African Union’s Agenda 2063, along with Africa’s growing voice, including leadership in renewable energy, can help realize that potential.

We need to rescue the Sustainable Development Goals. This will require, among other actions, that we reform the international financial architecture so developing countries can access the resources they will need to invest in the future of their people — including strengthening education systems, this year’s African Union theme.

We must work side by side with Africa to build green economies anchored in renewable energy, and ensure that the continent’s critical mineral resources benefit Africans first and foremost.

African Ambassadors during the symbolic cutting of the cake at the 61st Anniversary of the African Union.

Throughout, Africa must have a seat at every multilateral forum — including the UN Security Council, the international financial system, and other global norm-setting structures. September’s Summit of the Future in New York will be a moment to create momentum and progress.  

On Africa Day, let’s renew our pledge to stand with all Africans in their quest to lead their continent — and our world — into a peaceful and prosperous future for all.”

The theme of “Education Fit for The 21st Century” Agenda 2063 envisions a prosperous Africa achieved through inclusive growth and sustainable development, with education playing a pivotal role. The modernization of educational systems to include digital literacy, critical thinking, and adaptability is crucial for harnessing Africa’s demographic dividend, fostering entrepreneurship, and competing effectively on the global stage. Investing in education today is essential for building a resilient, innovative, and prosperous Africa tomorrow.

Regarding the importance of Africa to the world, the continent holds 40% of the world’s gold, up to 90% of its chromium and platinum, the largest reserves of cobalt, diamonds, platinum, and uranium, 65% of the world’s arable land, and ten per cent of the planet’s internal renewable freshwater source.

“We have the biggest demographic dividend- a quarter of the people on earth will be living on the African continent by 2050. We have all the renewable energy assets in the world Whether you talk about, Hydro, wind, solar geothermal and we are ready to make these assets available to decarbonize the world.” (Kenyan President William Ruto).

Africa is considered the future for several reasons. It has the youngest population in the world, with 70% under the age of 30. The continent’s population is expected to double to 2.5 billion by 2050, adding 800 million people to the workforce. according to a recent McKinsey study.

“Made in Africa“ is seen as the future for global supply chains, according to a statement by Development Reimagined CEO Hannah Ryder during the launch of the 2023 Chinese Investment in Africa report.

In summary, Africa offers both challenges and opportunities. It has a young and entrepreneurial population, significant natural resources, rapid urbanization, dynamic economies, and a supportive diaspora.

The 2024 Africa Day celebration included generous offerings of cuisine from several countries, live authentic music provided by Angola and Morocco, and an enormous cake cut by Ambassadors.

Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika! God bless  Africa

Second Latin America FilmFest

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Second Latin America FilmFest

Clara Sola / Costa Rica

The Second Latin American FilmFest at Filmhuis Lumen in Delft closed its season on Sunday, June 16, with an impressive Costa Rican masterpiece presented by the Ambassador of Costa Rica, H.E. Arnoldo Brenes Castro. Clara Sola, a mystic drama marking the debut of director Nathalie Álvarez MesĂ©n, stars the dancer and first-time film actress Wendy Chinchilla Araya as Clara, alongside Daniel Castañeda RincĂłn, Ana Julia Porras Espinoza, and Flor MarĂ­a Vargas ChĂĄvez. The film narrates an unconventional story of religious fanaticism, social repression, abuse, and ignorance, all set in a small, humble house nestled in the lush green jungle of Costa Rica.

The profound themes of mystical connection with nature, religious interpretation of life, intellectual disability, late sexual awakening, human rights, and basic personal freedom are explored with subtlety, without diminishing their disturbing impact. Clara’s life, deeply intertwined with her mother’s religious fervor, is marked by severe overprotection and exploitation, depriving her of freedom, self-esteem, self-determination, joy, or pleasure. Living a restricted life under her mother’s tutelage, Clara is bound by moral and physical barriers, unable to experience happiness. The deep green Costa Rican jungle is vividly portrayed throughout the film, with masterful cinematography creating a peaceful suspense and capturing the beauty of the magnificent scenery, while the plot evolves slowly and mysteriously.

The purple ribbons hanging in a circle around Clara’s house symbolize her limits and prompt viewers to reflect on their own constraints, contemplating whether the day will come when these barriers will be removed. Clara Sola mirrors the calm and profound soul of Costa Rican nature.

Clara Sola / Costa Rica. Picture courtesy of Habob

The 2021 drama was selected as Costa Rica’s entry for the Best International Feature Film at the 94th Academy Awards. The film won the Best Film, Best Director, Best Screenplay, and Best Cinematography awards at Sweden’s Guldbagge Awards. At the International Film Festival of Kerala in India, it won Best Film, and it also received the Georges Delerue Award for Best Soundtrack/Sound Design at Film Fest Gent in 2021.

Costa Rica has presented its film industry in the Netherlands with a heavyweight masterpiece that will leave its viewers in a mystical state for days.

The Embassy of Costa Rica played a vital coordinating role on behalf of the Group of Embassies of Latin America and the Caribbean and the local organizers in Delft. The second edition of the FilmFest featured five Latin American movies in October 2023 from Bolivia, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Guatemala, and Uruguay, and showcased eight more films in June 2024 from Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Costa Rica, Cuba, El Salvador, Mexico, and Peru.

The Art of Transforming Seashells into Ceramics – Seashell Ceramics

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The Art of Transforming Seashells into Ceramics – Seashell Ceramics

BINZHOU, China, June 18, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — A media team invited by Binzhou Municipal Government Information Office visited the Shandong Sea Porcelain Group in Binzhou City, Shandong Province, China on June 14 to explore the modern process and development journey of transforming shells into high-quality seashell ceramics. The visit aimed to gain insight into Binzhou’s industrial and modernization progress.

In the 1990s, seashell ceramics emerged in Wudi County, Binzhou, becoming the world’s third-largest type of ceramics after porcelain and bone china.

Wudi County, located on the southwest coast of the Bohai Sea, is an area where natural shell deposits amount to over 100,000 tons annually. Following years of research and development, Shandong Sea Porcelain Group successfully converted shells into high-quality seashell ceramics. The head of the group stated, “Seashell ceramics are a kind of high-end porcelain primarily made from sea shells, filling a gap in the international ceramic industry. Its exquisite texture, thin and delicate walls, moist glaze, and translucency set it apart from bone china and ordinary ceramics. It boasts unique traits, including high whiteness, high transparency, and lightweight.”

Additionally, the surface of seashell ceramics can absorb ink like rice paper, showcasing an ink-wash painting style when painted with brushes. Notably, seashell ceramic tableware is non-sticky and oil-resistant, eliminating the need for detergent when washing. The convenience of this feature was highlighted by all the guests present at the event.

Congratulations to Olivier J.P. Nduhungirehe on his Appointment as Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of Rwanda

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Congratulations to Olivier J.P. Nduhungirehe on his Appointment as Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of Rwanda

Diplomat Magazine extends its congratulations to H.E. Mr. Olivier Jean Patrick Nduhungirehe on his appointment as Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of the Republic of Rwanda. Your impressive track record instills hope for a successful tenure in the role. With your experience and knowledge, there is no doubt that Rwanda’s foreign policy will thrive.

We also want to express our gratitude for the opportunity to work with you during your previous position as the Ambassador Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Rwanda here in the Netherlands. We hope our cooperation will continue to flourish and strengthen.

Wishing you the best of luck in your new assignment.

Xinhua and Reuters Presidents Hold Talks on Cooperation

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Xinhua and Reuters Presidents Hold Talks on Cooperation

NEW YORK, June 13 (Xinhua) – The President of Xinhua News Agency, Mr. Fu Hua, met with Mr. Paul Bascobert, president of Reuters, on Wednesday to discuss promoting cooperation and topics of mutual interest.

Building upon nearly 70 years of bilateral cooperation, the two sides have experienced frequent high-level exchanges and new developments in recent years, according to Fu, who heads a delegation in the United States.

Fu expressed his hope that the two organizations reinforce mutually beneficial cooperation on the utilization of emerging technologies, international news services, and other areas.

Bascobert highlighted the World Media Summit, jointly built by the two sides, as a significant conference for the media industry. He looks forward to sharing the latest developments in artificial intelligence in the industry at the next World Media Summit.

Bascobert also emphasized the importance of working together to help guide different cultures toward mutual understanding. The two sides exchanged ideas on artificial intelligence, video services, and opportunities in tourism promotion.

The 78th Anniversary of the Italian Republic at Pulchri Studio

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The 78th Anniversary of the Italian Republic at Pulchri Studio

By Beatrice Levorato Barsotti

On June 4th, more than 500 people gathered at the picturesque Pulchri Studio, an artist’s association and contemporary arts gallery, to celebrate the National Day of the Italian Republic. Organized by the Italian Embassy in The Hague, the event marked the 78th anniversary of the Italian Republic’s proclamation, established in 1946 following a referendum deciding between a monarchy and a constitutional republic.

Prominent representatives of the Dutch government attended the celebration, including Jan Anthonie Bruijn, Chairman of the Senate of the States General; Erik Westrate, Director of the Europe Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; and House of Representatives members Ulysse Ellian and Casper Veldkamp. Heads of  international organizations in The Hague, ambassadors, embassy officials, family, and friends were also present.

More than 400 people gathered at the picturesque Pulchri Studio to celebrate “il Giorno della Repubblica”

In his opening remarks, H.E. Ambassador Giorgio Novello, who has served in the Netherlands for four years, expressed his deep appreciation for his Dutch friends and colleagues. He highlighted his positive experiences in the Netherlands, both personally and professionally, and emphasized the strong bilateral relations between Italy and the Netherlands, noting that these relations continue to uncover common ground daily. Having visited all 12 provinces of the Netherlands, he pointed out the cultural and linguistic diversity within the country, drawing a parallel with Italy.

Erik Westrate, Director of the Europe Department, Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Mr. Erik Westrate also spoke, sharing a fond memory from his time at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Rome. As a young diplomat, he enjoyed lunches at the Centro Diplomatico, recalling the warm atmosphere with Italian colleagues and jokes about different ways of getting coffee. Westrate highlighted Italy’s cultural significance to the Netherlands, noting its influence on Dutch education in architecture, music, and the classical arts. He emphasized the shared values and commitment of both countries to address global challenges, particularly climate change, stressing the need for continued collaboration.

Ambassador Novello, a skilled polyglot, delivered parts of his speech in Papiamento, to honor the Caribbean nations of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and in Esperanto, to acknowledge Dutch internationalism and the presence of the Esperanto Universal Union in Rotterdam. He also spoke in Dutch, Italian, and English. His speech conveyed a message of unity and fraternity between Italy and the Netherlands, emphasizing their fruitful collaboration and excellent bilateral relations. He praised the shared characteristic of being direct and combative when addressing important issues.

Ambassador Novello and his wife Bianca.

The Ambassador also acknowledged the event’s sponsors, highlighting their role in the economic relationship between Italy and the Netherlands. He thanked the Italian Culture Institute, the Consular Offices, the Embassy staff, and his wife, Miss Bianca.

The guests then enjoyed an Italian-style reception, where they connected over local products from various regions of Italy, spread across three rooms of the venue. Throughout the reception, the atmosphere was lively and festive, with guests engaging in animated conversations and forging new connections. The event provided a perfect blend of cultural celebration and culinary delight, embodying the spirit of Italian hospitality.

“Ambassador of Ireland Award” in Germany honored Elmar Conrads-Hassel

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“Ambassador of Ireland Award” in Germany honored Elmar Conrads-Hassel

12 June 2024, Berlin, Germany, Residence of the Republic of Ireland to the Federal Republic of Germany: Elmar Conrads-Hassel, founder of the German-Irish Lawyers and Business Association, was honored with the “Ambassador of Ireland Award 2024” from the hands of the Ambassador of Ireland to Germany, H.E. Dr. Nicholas O’Brien.

The Ambassador of Ireland Award has been awarded since 2020 to a person who is committed to promoting Ireland in Germany or who makes a lasting and outstanding contribution to German-Irish relations or the Irish community in Germany.

Presenting the award to Elmar Conrads-Hassel at the Embassy’s annual Bloomsday reception, Ambassador O’Brien said: “I am delighted to recognize Elmar Conrads-Hassel and his decades-long commitment to German-Irish relations with the Ambassador of Ireland Award 2024.”

“Thirty-six years ago, Elmar founded the German-Irish Lawyers and Business Association (DIJW/GILBA). As the Association’s president for thirty years and its first and only elected honorary president since 2018, he has enabled the development of an invaluable network of Irish and German legal and business experts and has had a lasting impact on German-Irish relations.”

Mr. Conrads-Hassel, who comes from Bonn, said: “Since our time working together in Ireland from June 1987 to October 1990, Ireland has been our “dream country” and our “second home” for my wife and me. In this respect, it is a special joy and honor for me to receive this award. Since our “love for Ireland at first sight,” I have been volunteering as honorary chairman or chairman of the board for three bilateral non-profit German-Irish organizations: the “German-Irish Lawyers and Business Association (DIJW/GILBA)”, of which I was also the founding president, “The Ireland Funds Germany e.V.” and the “German-Irish Friendship Foundation/The Ireland Funds Germany Foundation.” I regularly attend the annual conferences of the DIJW/GILBA and the “Ireland Funds worldwide”, usually together with my wife, Dr. Ursula Hassel.

With all three organizations, we support – with Membership fees and donations – social and cultural bilateral or intra-Irish (Northern and Irish) non-profit projects, initiatives and associations as well as Irish students who want to learn German or improve their language skills during or alongside their studies at one of the five major universities in Ireland.”

For further information 

Irish Embassy in Germany: https://www.ireland.ie/en/germany/berlin/

Bridging cultures with Esperanto: an initiative from the Italian Embassy and the Italian Cultural Institute of Amsterdam

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Bridging cultures with Esperanto: an initiative from the Italian Embassy and the Italian Cultural Institute of Amsterdam

By Beatrice Levorato Barsotti

On the 26th of May, the Embassy of Italy in collaboration with the Italian Cultural Institute of Amsterdam, organized an event dedicated to the Esperanto language, titled ‘Esperanto between Italy and the Netherlands’.

The event featured an impressive lineup of speakers who highlighted various aspects of Esperanto’s historical and contemporary relevance. Prof. Marc van Oostendorp, Professor of Dutch Language and Academic Communication at Radboud University, delved into the intriguing love correspondence between an Italian and a Dutch Esperantist in the 1930s, showcasing the personal connections fostered by the language. Daniela Tasca, a researcher, presented the remarkable figure of Angelo Agosti, an Italian Esperantist who lived between Italy and the Netherlands and founded an international communist union for Esperantists.

‘Esperanto between Italy and the Netherlands’.

Prof. Davide Astori, Professor of General Linguistics at the University of Parma, discussed the history of Esperanto and its function as an instrument of peace, emphasizing its potential for fostering global understanding. Finally, Prof. Federico Gobbo, Professor of Interlinguistic and Esperanto at the University of Amsterdam, provided insights on the topic “Artificial Language or Artificial Intelligence? Esperanto and Human-Machine Communication,” exploring the language’s role in the evolving landscape of technology and communication.

Professor Federico Gobbo further discussed the role of Esperanto as a message of peace highlighting a fascinating historical episode from the 1920s when an Esperanto-speaking kibbutz was established in Israel, bringing together Palestinians and Israelis. Although it lasted only a few months, it was a beautiful experiment demonstrating the potential for Esperanto to bridge national differences while allowing each culture to maintain its identity. Prof. Gobbo noted that even L. L. Zamenhof, the creator of Esperanto, was wary of establishing Israel in Palestine due to the potential for fratricidal conflict. On the technological front, prof. Gobbo expressed concern over our excessive reliance on technology as a problem solver. He emphasized that technology, as a tool, can be used for good or ill. In contrast, Esperantists are acutely aware of the importance of moral responsibility, recognizing that machines themselves are amoral. This awareness underscores the unique human element that Esperanto brings to both intercultural communication and the ethical use of technology.

In his opening speech, the Ambassador of Italy, H.E. Mr. Giorgio Novello reflected on his long-standing commitment to Esperanto, which began in 1976 after reading “Invented Languages” by Alessandro Bausani. Ambassador Novello, currently a member of the Honorary Committee of the World Esperantist Union, shared insightful thoughts on the significance of Esperanto as a language that promotes peace and serves as a diplomatic tool. He also discussed various initiatives aimed at expanding the reach and influence of Esperanto.

The concept of Esperanto as a diplomatic language date back to the League of Nations, the precursor to the United Nations, when Nitobe Inazo proposed making Esperanto the League’s official language. However, this initiative was thwarted by French opposition, as French was the dominant international language at the time. While the historical efforts to establish Esperanto as Europe’s diplomatic language are noteworthy, the ambassador believes that considering Esperanto today as a tool for political and diplomatic communication might still be premature. At the same time, Esperanto has the potential to contribute to international relations, as demonstrated by recent progress.

The Universal Esperanto Association, of which the ambassador is an honorary patron, has an official working relationship with UNESCO, which also publishes its quarterly magazine in Esperanto. Furthermore, the language has had significant interfaces with diplomatic authorities. For example, former President of the Italian Republic, Giorgio Napolitano, participated in the Esperanto Congress in Florence twenty years ago, and the Italian Esperanto Congress in San Marino was held under the patronage of the Italian ambassador there.

Academic environments have also embraced Esperanto; the 2023 University Congress in Turin hosted the Esperanto Union as an honorary committee, with the President of the Province of Turin and the President of the Piemonte Region participating. Therefore, Esperanto is making notable progress, contributing to international understanding at both the political and diplomatic levels.

H.E. the Ambassador of Italy,  emphasized the powerful role of Esperanto in building bridges and strengthening the relations between Italy and the Netherlands, underscoring the political relevance of such initiatives. The event successfully brought together Dutch and Italian Esperantists, as well as curious newcomers to the subject, fostering a warm atmosphere of shared curiosity and passion for the language. This gathering not only highlighted the cultural and diplomatic significance of Esperanto but also demonstrated its capacity to unite diverse groups in pursuit of common understanding and collaboration.

Eurojust supports authorities in dismantling EUR 113 million fraudulent investment scheme

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Eurojust supports authorities in dismantling EUR 113 million fraudulent investment scheme

A fraudulent pyramid scheme was taken down by authorities from Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Czechia, Lithuania and Liechtenstein, with the support of Eurojust and Europol. The organised crime group (OCG) used an investment model that focused on the leasing and subleasing of cryptocurrency machines, such as exchange machines and hardware for mining. The suspects were able to target thousands of victims, causing losses of up to EUR 113 million. During an action day on 11 June, six arrests were made, 29 searches were conducted and the suspects’ assets were frozen.

The advertised investment concept involved the leasing of cryptocurrency products, such as investments in server storage for internet cloud services and the subleasing of crypto exchange machines. The suspects promised returns of 70% before tax to those joining the scheme. Investigations by German authorities showed that the promised returns were not only unrealistic, but also impossible, as the leased equipment and systems allegedly did not exist.

As the promised investment scheme did not exist as advertised, the suspects created a pyramid scheme, where most of the revenue for earlier investors came from more recent investors. The funds collected were not used for the promised investments, but mainly for the suspects’ living expenses. Throughout the scheme, the suspects concluded thousands of contracts, earning up to EUR 113 million.

As soon as the fraudulent scheme was discovered by German authorities, two coordination meetings were held at Eurojust to exchange information and evidence with authorities from Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Czechia, Lithuania and Liechtenstein. To ensure a continued smooth cooperation, a joint investigation team (JIT) between German and Swiss authorities was set up with the support of Eurojust.

The cooperation between authorities resulted in an action day on 11 June, with the involvement of over 280 officers on the ground. The actions resulted in six arrests, 29 searches, the seizing of evidence, and the freezing of several assets. Due to the coordination between the authorities, and the use of Eurojust’s facilities, simultaneous actions were carried out in Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Czechia, Lithuania and Liechtenstein.

The following authorities were involved in the operation:

  • Germany: Public Prosecutor`s Office Erfurt, Criminal State Investigation Office Thuringia
  • Switzerland: Public Prosecutor’s Office of the Canton of Zurich
  • Austria: Central Public Prosecutor`s Office for Combating Economic Crimes and Corruption
  • Czechia: Municipal Public ProsecutorÂŽs Office in Prague; Regional Directorate of Police of the Capital City of Prague
  • Lithuania: Vilnius Regional Prosecutor’s Office
  • Liechtenstein: Princely Court of Justice of Liechtenstein

University of the Philippines Concert Chorus 2024 European Tour

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University of the Philippines Concert Chorus 2024 European Tour

 â€œA Celebration of Peace and Justice”

By Roy Lie Atjam

The Ambassador of the Philippines in the Netherlands, H.E. Ambassador Mr Jose Eduardo E. Malaya III, partnered with the Permanent Court of Arbitration and Diplomat Magazine to present a concert featuring the University of the Philippines Concert Chorus (UPCC) at Diligentia Theatre, in The Hague on June 6, 2024.

The event was held to commemorate the 125th Anniversary of the Permanent Court of Arbitration and the 126th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence.

Professor Janet Sabas-Aracama, director of the Philippines Concert Chorus.
The Philippines Concert Chorus during performance at Diligentia Theatre, in The Hague.

The concert, titled “A Celebration of Peace and Justice,” took place at the Diligentia Theatre and was attended by hundreds of guests, including members of the Diplomatic Corps, academics, the Dutch business community, International Organizations, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Filipino community.

The University of the Philippines Concert Chorus, also known as Korus, presented its mesmerizing talent and cultural heritage through a diverse repertoire of songs, including “Cantate Domino,” “Abba Medley,” and “Let It Be.”

Dr Marcin Czepelak, Secretary General, Permanent Court of Arbitration and spouse Jadwiga Czepelak welcome the hundreds of guests together with the Ambassador of the Philippines, H.E. Mr. J. Eduardo Malaya and spouse Dr. Cristina Malaya.

The program began with welcome remarks by H.E. Ambassador Mr Jose Eduardo E. Malaya III, the Philippine Ambassador in the Netherlands, and President of the Administrative Council of the Permanent Court of Arbitration, accompanied by his spouse Dr Cristina Malaya.

“It has been an honour for me to serve as acting President of the Administrative Council of the Permanent Court of Arbitration at a time when we commemorate the 125th anniversary of the PCA. June 12 also marks the 126th anniversary of the proclamation of Philippine Independence, thus these occasions are doubly special for many of us.

The role of the PCA in the peaceful settlement of international disputes and the promotion of peace and justice, was underscored by the UN General Assembly of a resolution in August last year welcoming the PCA 125th anniversary which acknowledged its “important contribution 
 to the peaceful settlement of disputes.” It has been my honour and of Secretary General Czepelak to have initiated, and worked with a core group of countries on the adoption of the UNGA resolution, the first-ever such resolution by the UN on the PCA.

Dr Marcin Czepelak, Secretary General, Permanent Court of Arbitration.

The Philippines is relatively a newcomer to the century-old institution, having joined it in 2010. However, it had been involved early on in the PCA dispute settlement processes. The celebrated 1928 case “Island of Palmas” between the U.S. and the Netherlands pertained to the issue of sovereignty over an island just below the Philippines’ Mindanao and above North Sulawesi of the then Dutch East Indies, now Indonesia.

This case underscores the fact that seemingly intractable disputes, including territorial disputes between neighbours, are capable of resolution – with good faith, patience, and mutual desire for its settlement — peacefully and on the basis of law. And then as now, the facilities of the PCA are open and available to facilitate the process of settlement.

Ambassador Malaya during his performance with the Philippines Concert Chorus.

I am also pleased to note the significant strides in Philippine-Netherlands relations. Minister of Foreign Affairs Hanke Bruins Slot had a productive visit to Manila in October last year. We applauded the Netherlands’ adoption of its Indo-Pacific Strategy, and its new status as a Development Partner of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Last May 21-24, H.M. Queen Maxima visited the Philippines in her capacity as the UN Secretary General’s Special Advocate for Financial Inclusion for Development, and was received warmly by President Marcos Jr and the Filipino people.

Music has the capacity to inspire, to connect and to bring people together. It has the power to break down boundaries and overcome distances between and among people. We may come from different countries and cultures, but through music we all speak the same language.“ 

Ambassador for International Organizations of the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Mr Paul van den Ijssel.

Dr Marcin Czepelak, Secretary General, Permanent Court of Arbitration and Ambassador for International Organizations of the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs Mr Paul van den Ijssel also deliver their remarks.

The concert also featured Ambassador Malaya, a virtuoso piano player. The UPCC, under the direction of Professor Janet Sabas-Aracama, is notable for its artistry and high-caliber singing. Known as “Jai” to intimates, Professor Sabas-Aracama served as the Conductor and Artistic Director for the concert. 

Ambassador Malaya and Antonio Polosa, UN IOM Chief of Mission together with the Ambassador of Uruguay, H.E. Mr. Álvaro Gonzålez Otero, the Managing Director of CFC, Ambassador Sheikh Mohamed Belal, Professor Janet Sabas-Aracama and members of Korus afther their performance at Diligentia Theatre. June 10, 2024 The Hague.

The event was a captivating cultural experience, immersing the audience in an unforgettable showcase of Filipino musicality. The UPCC has a rich legacy of impressive stage performances, vivid choreography, dramatic expressions, captivating costumes, and a distinct Filipino charm.

After the show, the performers mingled with the audience, which was highly appreciated. From The Hague, the UPCC will proceed to Amsterdam, Cologne, Hamburg, Berlin, Brno, Prague, Cascine (Italy), Zurich, and Gambach (Germany).

Mabuhay !

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